Business Details
16 Years
experience
Custom Home Design in Wellesley & Nantucket, MA
Jacob Lilley Architects has been designing custom homes for 15 years, focusing on creating spaces that reflect each client's individuality and lifestyle. Our approach emphasizes sensitivity to site and context, conceptual clarity, and compositional balance while fostering strong connections to the outdoors. Through the use of natural materials and a dedication to craftsmanship, we strive to create vibrant, distinctive, and enduring architectural solutions. Our firm responds to New England's evolving architectural landscape and demographic changes, supporting projects ranging from transitional to contemporary styles. With offices in Wellesley and Nantucket, we serve both coastal and urban projects across Massachusetts and neighboring regions.Our team combines passion for design, attention to detail, and comprehensive client collaboration to deliver exceptional results. We believe great design emerges from understanding each project's unique requirements and context. Our portfolio includes custom homes, renovations, and interior design projects that demonstrate our commitment to quality and innovation. The firm's principals include AIA-certified architects and LEED-accredited professionals who bring technical expertise and creative vision to every project. Our work has been recognized in regional design competitions and featured in prominent architectural publications.
Services
Custom Home Design
Residential Architecture
Renovations & Additions
Interior Design Services
Coastal & Island Projects
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We have 15 years of experience in custom residential architecture
- Our team includes AIA-certified and LEED-accredited professionals
- We combine natural materials with modern craftsmanship techniques
- We maintain offices in both urban and coastal locations for better client access
- We prioritize comprehensive client collaboration throughout the design process
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- LEED Certified
Services
Custom Home Design
We create bespoke homes tailored to clients' lifestyles and site conditions. Our process combines conceptual clarity with sensitivity to local architecture and natural surroundings. Each design emphasizes outdoor connectivity and enduring quality through carefully selected materials and craftsmanship.
Renovations & Additions
Our renovation services modernize existing structures while preserving architectural integrity. We specialize in expanding living spaces and updating functionality while maintaining harmony with original design elements. Projects range from kitchen remodels to comprehensive whole-house transformations.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that balance aesthetics and practicality. Our approach focuses on optimizing spatial flow, integrating natural light, and selecting finishes that enhance livability. Services include custom cabinetry, material selection, and furniture specification for residential spaces.
Coastal Projects
We specialize in designing homes for challenging coastal environments. Our solutions address salt air exposure, wind resistance, and floodplain requirements while maximizing ocean views. Projects include Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard residences that blend traditional New England aesthetics with modern durability.
Design Consultation
We provide expert guidance throughout the design process from initial concept to construction documents. Services include site analysis, zoning compliance, budget planning, and material selection. Our consultation helps clients navigate complex building regulations and achieve their vision efficiently.
People
Jake Lilley
Principal Architect
AIA-certified architect with 15 years of experience in residential design. Specializes in blending traditional New England architecture with modern functionality. Leads the firm's design direction and client relationships.
Cheryl Savit
Marketing + PR
Manages the firm's public relations and design communications. Coordinates project documentation and presentation materials to ensure clear client communication throughout the design process.
Sashya Thind
Interior Design
Focuses on interior space planning and material selection. Brings expertise in creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing residential interiors that complement the firm's architectural designs.
Erald Kolici
Senior Designer
Leads design development and construction documentation. Translates conceptual ideas into detailed architectural solutions while maintaining the firm's quality standards across all project phases.
Steve Dadagian
Senior Architect
LEED-certified architect specializing in sustainable design solutions. Oversees technical aspects of projects and ensures compliance with environmental regulations while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We work across traditional to contemporary styles, tailoring each design to client preferences and site context while maintaining New England architectural sensibilities.
Do you handle both design and construction oversight?
We provide full-service architectural design from concept through construction documents. While we don't perform construction work, we can recommend trusted contractors and oversee the building process.
What areas do you serve?
Our primary service areas include Wellesley, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and surrounding New England regions with projects in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.
How do you approach coastal construction challenges?
We design for salt air exposure, wind resistance, and floodplain requirements using durable materials and elevated structures where necessary while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
What's your design process timeline?
Most custom home projects take 12-18 months including design development and construction documentation. Timelines vary based on project complexity and permitting requirements.
Can you work with existing home renovations?
Yes, we specialize in renovations and additions that preserve architectural character while modernizing functionality and improving energy efficiency.
Reviews (4)
Erin Byrnes
May 21, 2019
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We love JLA! Jake is amazing architect. He's super talented and so nice to work with. We've been working with Jake on a large scale renovation and addition to our historic home. He has an amazing vision and really listens to his clients needs/wants. Jake has been so patient, always taking his time during meetings, answering all of our questions, really going above and beyond. Not only is Jake awesome, his team is superb as well. Michele is meticulous and Annie has been really helpful from the design side. We've loved working with these guys and would recommend them 1000%. We will work with Jake
Rob
Dec 27, 2018
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JLA Architects was a great experience for us when we renovated our home in Wellesley. Jake's knowledge, attention to detail, and overall hands-on approach throughout the process allowed us to realize our dream home. We would and absolutely will work with Jake on future projects.
Meredith Applegate
Dec 18, 2018
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We were extremely happy with our renovation work with Jacob Lilley of JLA (which was done in 2016). Jake was terrific and extremely visionary, talented and creative - and really understood our project and our dreams/goals for our renovation. He was very helpful, accessible, and supportive during the early phases when we had to do some zoning / variance work and was a true partner during both the design process and construction. We are very pleased with the finished product - we love our "new" home - and it was a pleasure working with Jake. We can't recommend him enough!
Mark Fraga
Aug 07, 2018
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Jake gave us 5-star service all the way as we did a major renovation on our Wellesley house. We moved back in 2 years ago and still every day I have a moment of gratitude for the results. Three areas of excellence to point out in particular:
1) Design - Jake maximized the value of the space we had to work with, appropriately prioritized our "wants" to give us the flow and living space we craved, and carried the historic design of the original house through the new additions. The end result feels like it's the way the house should have been built 100 years ago to suit the needs of today's family
1) Design - Jake maximized the value of the space we had to work with, appropriately prioritized our "wants" to give us the flow and living space we craved, and carried the historic design of the original house through the new additions. The end result feels like it's the way the house should have been built 100 years ago to suit the needs of today's family
